Hitting others

Do you have a child that hits another family member or a child?  It’s common to look toward the child that hit
and tell them “Hands stay down,” “No hitting,” or “That hurts your friends.”  Instead, I recommend directing all of your attention on the person who was hit.  For example, if your child hits daddy, you can look at daddy and say, “Oh, daddy, are you okay?” while also patting daddy (show sincere concern).  Children love reinforcement – negative and positive.  When your child hits and you address the behavior with them, they have received attention.  Instead, give your attention to the person who was hurt.  
~Marena Mitchell, Speech-Language Pathologist